Celebrating 25 Years of Service

Since 1997, the VHCB AmeriCorps Program has been serving Vermont communities, cultivating leaders and inspiring collaborative solutions to expand housing opportunities and steward our natural resources. Serving on the front lines of community-based organizations, VHCB AmeriCorps members energize, engage, and empower Vermonters to address unmet needs at a local level, collectively creating positive change statewide.

“Our VHCB AmeriCorps members have had such a positive impact on Vermont communities over the last 25 years,” said Erin Riley, VHCB AmeriCorps Director. “From expanding capacity for our local non-profit organizations, connecting individuals to safe, healthy, affordable housing, supporting those experiencing homelessness transition into permanent housing, stewarding Vermont’s natural areas, and increasing opportunities for thousands of Vermonters to get outside – I am so appreciative of the passion and commitment our VHCB AmeriCorps members have demonstrated over the years, and immensely grateful to our community organizations and VHCB for helping to create such an impactful program.

On Wednesday, June 28^th, nearly 50 VHCB staff and AmeriCorps members engaged in a variety of community service projects in celebration of the program’s 25^th anniversary. Projects included activities such as building stone steps, performing trail maintenance, and packing food and took place in Montpelier at the Vermont River Conservancy, North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier Senior Activity Center, Wrightsville Beach Recreation, and Cross VT Trail Association, and in Barre at the Vermont Foodbank and the Good Samaritan Haven.

“The group came with a willingness and enthusiasm to help, despite the potential for rain,” said Catamount Valley Trails Associate Executive Director Greg Western. “Thanks to them, we’re better able to prevent erosion on one of our Montpelier trails.” 

Following the completion of the morning projects, the group convened at the Vermont Granite Museum for a celebratory lunch and afternoon activities. VHCB and AmeriCorps executive staff shared their experiences and gratitude with attendees.

“Not many other programs celebrate milestones with service to others,” said Abigail Youngless AmeriCorps Service Leader. “I’m really proud of the effort we put into supporting community organizations.”